Nice "standard" lens on APS-C?

[Dco]

Hello again.
I'm looking for a "normal" lens for my k100d (1.5x crop) so something around 35mm should be fine. Now I'm using the Pentax 40mm (new version, AF) and although I like that lens very much, sometimes I find one stop faster would be useful. What are my options? I started looking for something like the SMC-M 35mm f2, but it looks very scarce, and when one appear, prices are very high. On m42 it appears to be more options, like takumar 35mm f2, or mir-24. But I don't now much about their quality, or prices (and i'd need to buy the m43>K adapter).
Also, I can use Nikon pre-ai lenses directly on my Pentax (well, kind of), so another options are the Nikkor-O 35mm f2, or the Vivitar 35mm f1.9 (Also in m42 mount). How do all these lenses compare? Another options on this focal length?
My first idea was to have a small setup of primes 24, 35 and 50, for travelling light. But the truth is, I'm not so sure anymore. So I'll ask you another thing:
Do you think it's a good idea to change the 24 and the 35 for a 28mm f2? (A Kiron maybe?). On one side, I find the idea of using only two primes very interesting (One on the camera, the other in a pocket), but I really enjoy the 24mm focal length on APS-C and I don't now if those 4mm less in the wide angle, could be irreplaceable for some situations...
What do you think guys? Lots of cuestions, I now, but I'm really confused on this. Any help could be very useful
Thanks

[Jesito]

Dco,

I strongly suggest you to get a Flektogon 35mm f/2.8 or better F/2.4. These are outstanding lenses.

Regarding the 28m mm versus 24/35, I personally don't like too much the 28mm focal length and always carry a Tamron 24mm and the Flektogon 35mm 2.8 that is enough for me.

Regards,

Jes.

[scsambrook]

A 28mm f2 is an attractive thought - especially one in PK-A mount. But before you invest, do your best to try it on the camera and check your ability to focus with it. I have a K100D and find it VERY hard to judge correct focus with shoter focal lengths. The focus indicator simply cannot be relied on to identify the point of primary focus on the K100D - or the K10D which I now have as well.

I have to say that my old eyes aren't as sharp as they were, but I have much younger friends who can't reliably get the focus right either. Maybe the solution is to install a rangefinder screen, but there seems to be problems sometimes getting replacement screens registered correctly.

[Dco]

Thanks, Jesito, At first I had considered the flektogon (heard really good things about it) but I really need something faster, and at f2.8 (or even 2.4) it would be too close to my 40mm f2.8, which I really love and want to keep.
scsambrook, thanks, I should have told it before, but I already have a split image screen on my k100d, so focusing is a bit less of a problem. I agree with you that focus confirmation is not very reliable, but I don't have much problems focusing with my 24mm (it's f2.8 only though) or my 50mm or 85mm (but these are considerably longer)

[soikka]

My opinion would be to get the 35/2 and stick to the 24mm if you really like it.

I have the M35/2 and M28/2.8 and I think that the 35 would see more use if I didn't use my Sigma 30/1.4 all the time . M35/2 is has a bit soft and hazy look wide open, sharpness is there, but with some ghosting. The bokeh can be a bit distracting wide open, but it's a lot better by F2.8 and the lens sharpens up really much.

Couple test shot with istDS and M35/2 wide open and @F2.8. (ACR defaults no sharpening)

[aoleg]

Naturally, I'd go with a 35mm in Pentax K mount. SMC Pentax M 35/2.8 or 35/2 is a good one. I am not sure whether there is an 'A' version though.

[Mist]

Just buy a cheap lens to try, and then invest in the focal length you like.

[luisalegria]

I have a K100D and I find my favorite "normal" lenses these days are either the SMC Pentax 24/2.8 or the Vivitar/Kiron 28/2 (M42), since I fixed the aperture on that.

These are the ones that usually stick on the camera by default.

[visualopsins]

I will commit gross sacrilige here and add the AF Sigma 30/1.4 as a "normal" possibility for APS-C.

[orly_andico]

meanwhile in Pentax land...

the recently discontinued FA 35/2 is considered to be a good lens.

and there's the expensive FA Limited 31/1.8 as well..

[martinsmith99]

Ensinor 24mm - If you can find one!

Or a Meyer Lydith 30mm.

[Dco]

Thanks everyone for the answers.
soikka, thanks a lot for the sample pictures
siriusdogstar, orly_andico, I already had considered the Sigma and the FA 35mm, but at large apertures I prefer focusing by myself, cause I don't find the AF to be precise enough, so a MF lens should be better because of the longer focusing throw. The 31mm Limited seems to be a great idea, better suited for manual focus, but price it's out of reach.

[kuuan]

Takumar 35/2, Vivitar 35/1.9, Vivitar 28/2?

[LucisPictor]

Another alternative would be a Vivitar 2/28 ... very nice!

[Dco]

Hello again
I'm still considering this, I've not decided yet, but I'm leaning towards the 28mm focal length. One more question:
Does anybody know the Cosinon-w 28mm f2?
I can't find anything about it on the net
Thanks

[eeyore_nl]

I really like 24mm as a standard lens (in this case a 24mm Ensinor). Maybe a bit wide for a normal lens (makes 38mm on a Canon APS-C cam), but great for everyday use.

Two 24mm shots:

[Attila]

[martinsmith99]

[eeyore_nl]

[Attila]

I like your samples too, looks a nice lens indeed a hidden gem!

[martinsmith99]

I was lucky to find mine. I read some good feedback on it and found one on ebay in mint condition. I've not see one since.

[Dco]

Thanks Attila, that was what I thought, I'll have to keep searching, then
Very smooth bokeh in that first sample eeyore_nl, nice colours too